Lockheed Martin, next to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, is currently home to eight C-130 Hercules aircraft that were built for Libya in 1972.  Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi paid $70 million for them, and soon after they were built, the planes were grounded due to political issues.

Shortly after taking power in Libya, Gadhafi closed American bases on Libyan territory and partially nationalized all foreign oil and commercial interests in Libya. In response, the U.S. implemented export controls on military equipment and civil aircraft.  Because of this, the aircraft were never delivered, and remain at Lockheed Martin/Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

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The aircraft in Marietta were painted in desert camouflage colors in preparation for a delivery that was never made.  They were reportedly serviced for a few years, but they were later left to the elements are now likely closer to scrap metal than aircraft.  Officially, they are property of Libya so they cannot be disposed of, and the State Department continues to pay the associated parking and storage fees charged by Lockheed Martin over the past half century.

The Legacy of the C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules, a prominent figure in the realm of military transport aircraft, has etched its name in aviation history. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the prototype’s maiden flight in 1954 marked the beginning of a new era in military aviation. The C-130 was designed to meet the needs for a versatile and robust transport aircraft capable of performing a variety of missions.

Design and Capabilities

What sets the C-130 apart is its distinctive design and unparalleled capabilities. The aircraft features four turboprop engines, a hallmark of its power and reliability. Its ability to take off and land on rough, unprepared runways made it invaluable for military operations, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief missions. The C-130’s spacious cargo hold can transport troops, medical supplies, and large equipment, making it a critical asset in logistics.

Versatility and Adaptations

Over the years, the C-130 has seen numerous modifications, adapting to various roles beyond cargo transportation. These adaptations include aerial firefighting, weather reconnaissance, and even gunship roles. The aircraft’s versatility is further highlighted by its adoption by over 70 nations, underscoring its global impact.

C-130 Hercules Dimensions 

The C-130 is 38 feet, 10 inches tall (11. 9 meters), 112 feet, 9 inches (34.69 meters) wide, and the wingspan is 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters).

Continued Relevance and Future

Despite its age, the C-130 remains a key player in military and humanitarian operations worldwide. Its ongoing upgrades and variants, like the C-130J Super Hercules, ensure that this iconic aircraft continues to meet modern challenges.

Georgia families can now check out free excursions to Zoo Atlanta, just by owning a library card. Announced Feb. 23 from the steps of the state capitol, a partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Public Library Service allows adults with valid library cards access to the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library branch throughout the state of Georgia.

The Cobb County Public Library System has Zoo Atlanta Family Passes available to check out today. Each of the 17 Cobb County library branches has one pass. When individuals check out the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass DVD from a Cobb County library and return it to the same location, they will get a receipt. They can then use the receipt for zoo admission. The receipt is good for two adults and two children and has to be redeemed within a week.

“We are very pleased to offer this wonderful opportunity to Cobb County residents,” Jonathan McKeown, Associate Director of Central and Outreach Services said. “The treasures that are held in the Cobb County Public Library System paired together with those held at the Zoo Atlanta make for a fitting partnership with the summer just around the corner.”

The pass may be checked out once per year, per card, per household. The pass is not valid for fee-based events or programs and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Standard general admission will apply to families with additional children; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Passes are not ‘renewable,’ nor can it be reserved.

Library patrons can check out a Zoo Atlanta Family Pass DVD for one week. If the DVD is lost or damaged, a $30 replacement fee, in addition to any processing fees or overdue fines will be charged by the library.

Launched in 2009, the program originally applied only to branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Wednesday’s announcement marks the first time the program has been available in all 159 Georgia counties.

For more information, please call the Cobb County Public Library System at 770-528-2320.

About Zoo Atlanta
An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,000 animals from around the world. For information, call 404.624.WILD.

Marietta Square’s popular fountain was returned to Glover Park in Marietta Square after undergoing a complete restoration. The original manufacturer of the fountain, Robinson Iron, removed the fountain and transported it to their headquarters in Alabama where the internal and external parts were restored to new condition.

The restoration was necessary because, according to the Marietta Parks and Recreation director Rich Buss, “while preparing the fountain for operation now that the weather has warmed, the staff cleaning the upper bowl noticed significant movement that had not been present before. After removing the upper bowl it turned out the fountain was rusting from the inside out.”